Three key success factors in the trucking industry are (1) getting shipments to customers promptly (rapid response), (2) keeping trucks
busy (capacity utilization), and (3) buying inexpensive fuel (driving down costs). Many firms have now developed devices like the one
shown on the right to track location of trucks and facilitate communication between drivers and dispatchers. Some systems use global
positioning satellites (shown on the left), to speed shipment response, maximize utilization of the truck, and ensure purchase of fuel at
the most economical location. Sensors are also being added inside trailers. These sensors communicate whether the trailer is empty
or full and detect if the trailer is connected to a truck or riding on a railroad car.